Coaching and Activity Tracking in Multiple Sclerosis - A Pilot Study

MS is a chronic, debilitating disease of the central nervous system affecting approximately 2 million people worldwide and more than 400,000 individuals in the US. MS is the most common cause of non-traumatic neurological disability in young adults. Symptoms typically first afflict individuals during the prime of their professional and reproductive lives, between the ages of 20 and 40. Many affected individuals are unemployed, physically disabled, and at high risk for social isolation. While disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) can significantly reduce accumulation of disability in MS, patients still experience symptoms across a range of functional domains. Symptoms can include problems with bladder, walking, and mood (depression and anxiety). Often, these symptoms are only partially evaluated during routine MS clinic visits, and the long interval between clinic visits can result in them not being optimally managed.

The goal of the current study is to pilot a system of proactively monitoring a combination of symptoms (bladder, ambulation and mood) using an activity monitor and a smartphone.

Adult patients with MS who are experiencing symptoms in at least 2 of the 3 domains (bladder, ambulation, mood) will be enrolled. Visits will be at baseline (can be same day as routine visit to the MS clinic), and 3 months. Short surveys (<3 minutes to complete) will occur weekly, and longer surveys will occur at baseline, 6 weeks and 3 months. FitBit activity monitors will be worn for the entire 3 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Any individual above the age of 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of MS
• Access to a smartphone
• Access to Wi-Fi at home
• Able to walk (including with a cane or walker)
• Willing to fill out surveys at multiple time points

Exclusion criteria

• Clinician's assessment of cognitive, dexterity, or visual impairment limiting ability to use a smartphone and subsequent technologies required by the study
• Inability to walk